Not Quite Strangers

About Not Quite Strangers

Connect to Joy Podcasts: Our Story and Mission Connect to Joy Podcasts is a home for meaningful connection, hope and resilience, and personal growth conversations that remind us we are not alone. Created and hosted by Valerie Hope, leadership coach, facilitator, and guide, Connect to Joy Podcasts exists to support people through life transitions, deepen emotional intelligence, and inspire purpose-driven living. In a world full of noise and division, this network offers thoughtful conversations that bridge differences, foster understanding, and awaken authentic human connection. Connect to Joy Podcasts includes three distinct yet aligned shows: The Circle of Hope, Not Quite Strangers, and Time to Come Alive. Together, they explore what it means to live with openness, courage, and heart—both personally and collectively. 🌿 The Circle of Hope The Circle of Hope is a podcast centered on hope and resilience in real life. Through intimate storytelling and reflective dialogue, this show explores emotional healing, inner strength, and the power of community during challenging seasons. Each episode offers encouragement, perspective, and gentle wisdom for navigating uncertainty with compassion and courage. 🤝 Not Quite Strangers Not Quite Strangers invites listeners into unscripted conversations between people who have just met. Designed to dissolve barriers and spark empathy, this show highlights the magic of meaningful connection across differences. These honest, human conversations demonstrate how emotional intelligence and curiosity can transform strangers into neighbors—and foster more authentic leadership in everyday life. ✨ Time to Come Alive Time to Come Alive is an invitation to reconnect with yourself and what truly matters. Through uplifting interviews, reflective practices, and practical guidance, this podcast supports personal growth, self-awareness, and aligned action. Each episode encourages listeners to awaken their purpose, navigate life transitions with intention, and live with renewed energy and joy. 💛 Our Shared Intention At the heart of Connect to Joy Podcasts is a deep belief in the power of storytelling to heal, unite, and inspire change. Through personal growth conversations, compassionate listening, and shared wisdom, this network supports individuals and communities in cultivating hope, connection, and a more purposeful way of living. As your host and fellow journeyer, Valerie brings openness, humility, and respect to every conversation, creating a space where all voices are valued and authentic expression is welcomed. Whether you’re seeking hope, longing for deeper connection, exploring authentic leadership, or standing at the edge of a life transition, Connect to Joy Podcasts offers conversations that help you reconnect—to yourself, to others, and to the joy already within you. Discover your circle. Find your hope. Connect to your joy. 🎧 Subscribe and explore the latest episodes at connecttojoypodcast.com 🎥 Watch full episodes and extended conversations on YouTube

Publisher

Valerie Hope

Category

business · business · education · health & fitness · health & fitness · religion & spirituality · society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Dec 2018

Latest episode

28 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

1 of 212 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Transform Your Relationships with Hope and Resilience | Ep. 31 COH | Valerie Hope

   I invite you into a vulnerable, uplifting, and heart-to-heart “honorable closure” with my dear friend, Ingrid Gavshon, documentary filmmaker, executive coach, and one of the sparks behind my growth journey. In this milestone conversation, we reflect on over 30 episodes of Circle of Hope, the launch of my next adventure: writing a book on meaningful connection and personal growth, and the wisdom, joy, and challenge of closing one chapter so another can begin. I share what this podcast has taught me about authentic relationships, leadership, and the beauty of pausing for real reflection as we grow. And in true Circle of Hope spirit, we go deep, exploring resilience, purpose-driven living, and the crucial difference between being in a relationship and talking about the relationship. Watch This If: You want actionable inspiration for navigating life transitions with hope and resilience. You’re seeking more authentic leadership at work, at home, or within yourself. You crave personal growth conversations that connect head, heart, and humor. You value emotional intelligence and want to deepen the quality of your conversations. Episode Highlights (with Timestamps): 00:00 – Why “Circle of Hope” and the power of purpose-driven podcasting 04:08 – Creating your circle of influencers & redefining mentorship 07:44 – My surprising biggest lesson: why talking about relationships amplifies their value 10:41 – How to expand your leadership range & let go of DIY mentality 23:59 – Overcoming isolation: the role band, family, and community played 35:25 – Actionable tips for reconnecting with family when trust is low 1:12:48 – My “sports team” metaphor for hope and resilience in polarized times What You’ll Learn: How to start honest conversations about your relationships that foster deeper connection and trust Why thriving requires both self-awareness and the courage to ask for support Practical tips for communicating with emotional intelligence and leading with authenticity, especially during change Resources Book: The Wisdom Hunter by Randall Arthur Book: A Course in Miracles Book: Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg Book: The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan Book: The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt (this was “the book about morality”) Book: Infinite Games by James P. Carse The Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute (https://www.berkeleyeci.com/) Unity Church (https://www.unity.org/) (spiritual community) 5 Calls (https://5calls.org/) Contact Information: Guest Host: Ingrid Gavshon LinkedIn (http://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-gavshon) Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/ingrid-gavshon) Circle of Hope Episode: YouTube (https://youtu.be/ouIG-lqkHi0) Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1KyOVPSpJ6T43axZoZuXGz?si=gE2Y3FtqQpWi8w_EBByHjQ) Host: Valerie Hope ● Website: https://www.valeriehope.com (https://www.valeriehope.com/) ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/ (https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/) ● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/) ● Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope (https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope) ● YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy (https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy) Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing. #ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #MeaningfulConnection #HopeAndResilience #PersonalGrowthConversations #AuthenticLeadership

2. 

   15 Apr 2026

   This Isn’t the End: A Reflection After 30 Episodes

   After 30 conversations on The Circle of Hope Podcast, this isn’t a typical episode… It’s a pause. In this reflection, I take a step back to share what this journey has revealed, not just about relationships, but about what happens when we take the time to talk about them. What I discovered is this: It’s not just the relationships we have that matter… it’s the conversations we’re willing to have about them. In this recording, I explore: The unexpected patterns that emerged across 30 conversations Why every meaningful relationship has a beginning, an exchange, and an impact The power of naming and expressing appreciation Questions to help you reflect on your own circle This podcast may be pausing in its current form, but the exploration is far from over. There is one final episode coming soon, where I’ll be on the other side of the conversation. 💬 Reflection for you: Who is someone in your life that has shaped you, and have you to3000ld them?

3. 

   24 Mar 2026

   How Family and Faith Can Carry You Through Hard Times | Ep. 30 COH | Valerie Hope

   If you’ve ever wished for your family to feel more like your inner circle, one that truly understands, uplifts, and connects, you’ll want to press play on this episode. Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Circle of Hope! I’m your host, Valerie Hope, and today I’m joined by my three amazing brothers, Eduardo (Dito), Ricardo (Ricky), and Rolando (Roli) Hope. For the first time, we open a window into our sibling dynamics, revealing how connection, difference, and intentionality have shaped our bond from childhood pranks to deep adult conversations. Together, we share raw stories about growing up as military kids, our mischief in Panama, and the ways that time, distance, and personality differences have strengthened, not strained, our trust, communication, and support as adults. If you’ve ever wondered what makes certain families truly “get” each other, or how to break out of sibling rivalry and into genuine influence, this unscripted family chat will grab your heart. Know someone with a sibling (or chosen family) who needs to be reminded of their own circle of hope? Share this episode and invite them to discover the power of deeper family connection. Subscribe for future insights, stories, and practical tools on leadership, influence, and connection. Watch This If: You crave more meaningful, authentic relationships with family, even if you’re all different. You want to learn how to build trust, support, and emotional safety across generations. You’re curious how intentionality and humor can bridge distance or personality gaps. You’ve struggled with sibling competition or wish for more transparency and fun in your circle. You love real, vulnerable conversations that show how strong family bonds are built. Episode Highlights (with Timestamps): 00:00 – Welcome & Meet the Hope Siblings 02:31 – Sibling Talk: How Childhood Experiences Shape Us 06:57 – The Surprising Power of Differences 18:33 – Each Sibling’s Perspective: Strengths & Styles 26:07 – Long Conversations & Emotional Support 40:29 – What Each Sibling Brings to the Circle 50:07 – How Our Parents Shaped Connection & Discipline 59:24 – Navigating Comparison, Competition & Life Paths 1:14:00 – How We Stay Connected (& Tips for Listeners!) 1:15:28 – Our Dream For the Future + Final Reflections What You’ll Learn: How to nurture deep trust, openness, and emotional safety, even when personalities clash Practical ways to initiate connection with siblings (or chosen family)—and make it stick The role of shared experience vs. individual paths in forming a lasting family “circle of hope” Strategies to break the cycle of rivalry and show up as each other’s best cheerleader How being intentional, playful, and consistent transforms family relationships (even after years apart) Contact Information: Guest: Eduardo Hope Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eduardohopejr (https://www.facebook.com/eduardohopejr) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eduardohopejr/ (https://www.instagram.com/eduardohopejr/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardohopejr/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardohopejr/) Guest: Ricardo Hope LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-hope-6544001/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardo-hope-6544001/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.hope.5 (https://www.facebook.com/ricardo.hope.5) Guest: Roland Hope Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolandoHope2160841 (https://www.facebook.com/RolandoHope2160841) Host: Valerie Hope Website: https://www.valeriehope.com (https://www.valeriehope.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/ (https://www.instagram.com/valeriehope/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehope/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope (https://www.facebook.com/ValerieVHope) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy (https://www.youtube.com/@ConnecttoJoy) Production Support: Lucy Hope - Podcast Editing, Copy, and Publishing. #ConnectToJoyPodcasts #CircleOfHopePodcast #FamilyBonding #SiblingConnection #IntentionalRelationships

Inside a recent episode

Master Your Money - Education, Money Rules, And Building Wealth | Ep. 66 NQS | Valerie Hope

Published 8 Jun 2023 · Transcript excerpt

[…] And for example, one of the money rules he talks about was if he has to be on a flight that's longer than four hours, he'll upgrade to business class. Like that's his money rule for his income or whatever, right? But he says all of us should have money rules specifically because he said you shouldn't wait to experience the fulfillment of having money till you have a certain number. He said, you should always find ways to help you feel fulfilled with the money that you have. I like that. And which I thought was really cool. And I'm like, now I need to come up with my money rules. So I need some inspiration. […]

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

13 ratings